Gaza Flotilla Intercepted: Activists Allege Mistreatment After Deportation to Turkey
On October 4, 2025, 137 activists who were part of the Global Sumud Flotilla seeking to deliver aid to Gaza arrived in Istanbul, Turkey, after being deported by Israel. The activists, who attempted to breach Israel's 16-year maritime blockade, allege mistreatment during their detention.
People stand on a boat from a flotilla that had been carrying aid to Gaza until it was intercepted by Israel, docked in the port of Larnaca, Cyprus October 3, 2025. (YIANNIS KOURTOGLOU/REUTERS)
Allegations of Mistreatment
Two activists, Hazwani Helmi, a Malaysian citizen, and Windfield Beaver, an American citizen, reported witnessing the mistreatment of Swedish activist Greta Thunberg. They claimed she was shoved and forced to wear an Israeli flag. Other activists described being treated "like animals," with allegations of confiscated belongings, denial of clean food and water, and restricted access to medication and toilets.
"It was a disaster. They treated us like animals," said Helmi, 28.
Lorenzo D'Agostino, an Italian journalist who participated in the flotilla, reported that Thunberg was "wrapped in the Israeli flag and paraded like a trophy." Turkish activist ErsinÇelik claimed Thunberg was dragged by her hair and forced to kiss the Israeli flag.
Israel's Response
Israel's Foreign Ministry has denied the allegations of mistreatment, describing them as "complete lies". The ministry stated that all detained activists were "safe and in good health" and that they were working to expedite the deportation process. They also accused some flotilla members of "deliberately obstructing" the deportation process. A spokesperson from the foreign ministry stated that the detainees were provided with access to water, food and restrooms, and legal counsel.
Arrival in Turkey and International Reaction
The activists who arrived in Istanbul included citizens from several countries, including Turkey, the United States, the United Arab Emirates, Algeria, Morocco, Italy, Kuwait, Libya, Malaysia, Mauritania, Switzerland, Tunisia, and Jordan. Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan praised the activists' courage and determination, while Turkey denounced Israel's interception of the flotilla as "an act of terrorism" and launched an investigation.
Italy's Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani stated that he instructed the Italian Embassy in Tel Aviv to ensure the remaining Italian citizens detained are treated with respect for their rights. Italian parliamentarians who were part of the flotilla described being "brutally stopped" and "taken hostage."
The Global Sumud Flotilla
The Global Sumud Flotilla comprised over 40 vessels carrying humanitarian aid with the goal of breaking Israel's naval blockade of Gaza. The flotilla set sail in late August, marking the latest attempt to challenge the blockade, which has been in place for nearly 18 years. Israeli officials have repeatedly denounced the mission as a stunt.
Conflicting Accounts and Ongoing Deportations
While Israel claims the activists were treated fairly and were obstructing the deportation process, testimonies from the deported activists paint a different picture, alleging physical and psychological abuse. The deportation process is ongoing, and several foreign governments are reportedly reluctant to receive their citizens. The events continue to draw international condemnation and raise questions about the treatment of activists challenging the blockade of Gaza.
